by GIFT Coach | May 28, 2014 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion
As parents, we appreciate the structure that rules bring to families. Sound rules establish firm, clear boundaries. This creates a secure framework for kids. It also offers them something to push against. Kids are born explorers—courageous, persistent they strain to...
by GIFT Coach | May 14, 2014 | Blogs by Joann DiStefano
Mother’s Day is considered a time of celebration. Women are honored on that day by their children and feel blessed to have them in their lives. But, what about Birthmothers? Do they feel the same way? I know of many agencies that have a special day that they celebrate...
by GIFT Coach | Apr 10, 2014 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion
Last week we visited the concepts of the family Emotional Bank Account and the Family Memory Banks. Having explored the idea for a week, what changes have you observed? Once you set the intention to accent the positive, what kinds of things did you notice in both...
by GIFT Coach | Feb 13, 2014 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano
As we are deep in the throes of winter, along comes February, with the promise of romance and sweet connection. Forget Valentine bliss, Swiss chocolate and long-stemmed roses. For many of you right now, it is not the holiday that occupies your thoughts. It’s the...
by GIFT Coach | Oct 23, 2013 | Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Faith and Values, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
As adoptive parents observe a warm relationship between their child and his birth parents, complicated emotions may arise. Along with joy, a subtle uneasiness, envy, or sense of competition may occur. Birth parents too, may experience similarly conflicted feelings....
